The evolution of sex chromosomes

Ayling, L.J. and Griffin, Darren K.
(2002)
The evolution of sex chromosomes.
Cytogenetic and Genome Research, 99
(1-4).
pp. 125-140.
ISSN 1424-8581.
(The full text of this publication is not available from this repository)

Abstract

Mammalian sex chromosomes appear, behave and function differently than the autosomes, passing on their genes in a unique sex-linked manner. The publishing of Ohno's hypothesis provided a framework for discussion of sex chromosome evolution, allowing it to be developed and challenged numerous times. In this report we discuss the pressures that drove the evolution of sex and the mechanisms by which it occurred. We concentrate on how the sex chromosomes evolved in mammals, discussing the various hypotheses proposed and the evidence supporting them.